Conquering Chronic Lyme with Babesia 
Dr. Warren's Comprehensive Guide to Babesia: The #1 Co-infection

Dr. Kyle Warren, DC, CFPM
Babesia and Neurological Lyme disease: 
Understanding the most common Lyme co-infection
Introduction:  Understanding Babesia, the Most Overlooked Co-infection in Lyme disease Treatment
According to a 2018 IGeneX study testing 10,000 patients suspected of Lyme disease, 37% reported testing positive for Babesia. In a separate study, Dr. Nancy O'Hara shared data from IGeneX showing that Babesia is found in ticks almost as frequently as Lyme disease itself, with approximately 41% of ticks in the Northeast carrying this parasite. Despite these alarming numbers, the CDC continues to severely underreport Babesia cases in the country, with only about 2,000 reported cases annually compared to an estimated 500,000 Lyme cases.

This reporting disconnect explains why most physicians fail to consider or test for Babesia, even though it's the number one most common Lyme co-infection. Babesia is present in all 50 states in the USA, and in my office, I see that most chronic Lyme patients who didn't improve on antibiotics test positive for Babesia.

This is especially true for patients with intense neurological symptoms. When I see migraine-type headaches, extreme joint inflammation and pain, or significant air hunger, I'm almost certain Babesia testing is warranted. While these symptoms can overlap with other infections, Babesia has a unique way of making Lyme disease more severe, particularly affecting the brain and nervous system.

In this video, I cover everything you need to know about Babesia: what it is, why it's crucial to consider when someone is suspected of having Lyme, where our medical system fails Babesia patients, and the right treatment protocol. I'll explain why standard antibiotic approaches aren't effective against this parasitic infection, how it forms protective "blood nests," and why supporting the lymphatic system is essential for recovery.

Understanding Babesia could be the missing piece for many struggling with persistent Lyme symptoms despite treatment. Let's dive into this critical but often overlooked co-infection.

Watch the video below to learn why Babesia is such a BIG problem

Alt text: In this video, Dr. Kyle Warren (lymedr.com) explains Babesia, the #1 co-infection in neurological Lyme disease patients. Learn about Babesia symptoms (air hunger, night sweats, migraine headaches), how it intensifies Lyme symptoms, and why conventional treatments fail. Dr. Warren of Restorative Health Solutions, the Midwest's leading Lyme specialist, details effective treatment strategies including proper testing, anti-parasitic protocols, breaking through blood nest biofilms, and essential lymphatic support with herbs like Red Root and Red Sage.
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(Transcript) Dr. Kyle Warren on Babesia: Understanding Babesia and Neurological Lyme disease

Introduction

Below is a complete transcript of Dr. Kyle Warren's educational presentation on Babesia, the most common co-infection found in patients with neurological Lyme disease. In this informative discussion, Dr. Warren explains why Babesia is frequently overlooked in conventional medicine despite its prevalence, how it intensifies Lyme symptoms, and why traditional treatment approaches often fail.

The transcript covers essential topics including:

- Why Babesia makes neurological Lyme symptoms worse
- The unique way Babesia affects the immune system
- Key symptoms that differentiate Babesia from other co-infections
- Common treatment mistakes made by practitioners
- Effective treatment strategies including herbal protocols
- The importance of lymphatic support for recovery

This information is particularly valuable for those experiencing persistent neurological symptoms despite Lyme treatment. Dr. Warren draws on his extensive clinical experience to provide practical insights that could help patients and practitioners better understand this crucial connection.

What is Babesia?

Babesia is a parasitic infection transmitted by the same ticks that carry Lyme disease. Dr. Warren points out a critical distinction: unlike Lyme disease, which is bacterial, Babesia is a protozoan parasite. This difference explains why standard antibiotic protocols used for Lyme disease are ineffective against Babesia.
According to testing data shared by Dr. Nancy O'Hara from IGeneX, Babesia is found in ticks almost as frequently as Lyme disease itself. In the Northeast, approximately 41% of ticks carry this parasite, similar to the prevalence rates for Lyme. Despite this high occurrence, Babesia remains significantly underdiagnosed.

A 2018 IGeneX study for 10,000 patients revealed that 37.3% were positive for Babesia, and 32.1% for Lyme disease

IGENE X study Infographic from lymedr.com comparing tick-borne disease prevalence from a 2018 IGeneX study of 10,000 patients. A horizontal bar chart shows Babesia at 37.3%, Lyme disease at 32.1%, TBRF, Bartonella, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia at progressively lower percentages. Text explains that Babesia may be more prevalent than Lyme disease, though Lyme is generally considered more widespread due to more frequent reporting and because both Lyme and TBRF are caused by Borrelia bacteria.
Iphone modified infographic: IGENE X study Infographic from lymedr.com comparing tick-borne disease prevalence from a 2018 IGeneX study of 10,000 patients. A horizontal bar chart shows Babesia at 37.3%, Lyme disease at 32.1%, TBRF, Bartonella, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia at progressively lower percentages. Text explains that Babesia may be more prevalent than Lyme disease, though Lyme is generally considered more widespread due to more frequent reporting and because both Lyme and TBRF are caused by Borrelia bacteria.
Dr. Warren highlights a concerning discrepancy in reporting: while there are an estimated 500,000 cases of Lyme disease annually, only about 2,000 Babesia cases are reported. This substantial disconnect means many physicians are unaware of Babesia's significance and may not conduct thorough testing, when necessary.

Prevalence and Clinical Significance

The prevalence of Babesia as a co-infection with Lyme disease is significantly higher than many healthcare providers realize. Dr. Warren references data from a 3,000-patient survey analyzed by Dr. Hinchey, which found that 32% of confirmed Lyme patients also had laboratory confirmation of Babesia infection.
Bar chart from lymedr.com illustrating Dr. Hinchey's study on coinfections in chronic Lyme disease patients. The graph shows Babesia as the most common coinfection at 32%, followed by Bartonella at 28%, Ehrlichia and Mycoplasma both at 15%, RMSF at 6%, and Anaplasma at 5%. The headline states that the majority of chronic Lyme patients report at least one coinfection, with 30% reporting two or more coinfections.
Based on this data and his clinical experience, Dr. Warren identifies Babesia as the most common co-infection encountered in Lyme disease patients. This high prevalence makes testing for Babesia essential in all cases of Lyme disease, especially those with neurological symptoms.

The Different Species of Babesia

Dr. Warren identifies two main species of Babesia that affect humans: Babesia microti and Babesia duncani. He also mentions that some Lyme specialists discuss Babesia odocoilei, though specific testing for this species isn't yet available. Current evidence suggests that B. odocoilei may cross-react with tests for B. duncani, potentially allowing for indirect detection using existing methods.
Infographic from LymeDr.com comparing three important Babesia species. Displays color-coded information about Babesia microti (Northeastern/Upper Midwestern US, transmitted by Ixodes scapularis deer ticks, infects humans and small mammals, most common cause of human babesiosis in US); Babesia duncani (Western US/Pacific Coast, transmitted by Ixodes ticks, infects humans and possibly small mammals, causes more severe disease with high fever and hemolysis); and Babesia odocoilei (North America, transmitted by Ixodes scapularis and other Ixodes ticks, primarily affects white-tailed deer with rare human infections). Each species includes geographic range, vector, hosts, and clinical significance.
Infographic for Iphone from LymeDr.com comparing three important Babesia species. Displays color-coded information about Babesia microti (Northeastern/Upper Midwestern US, transmitted by Ixodes scapularis deer ticks, infects humans and small mammals, most common cause of human babesiosis in US); Babesia duncani (Western US/Pacific Coast, transmitted by Ixodes ticks, infects humans and possibly small mammals, causes more severe disease with high fever and hemolysis); and Babesia odocoilei (North America, transmitted by Ixodes scapularis and other Ixodes ticks, primarily affects white-tailed deer with rare human infections). Each species includes geographic range, vector, hosts, and clinical significance.

Common Symptoms of Babesia

The most well-known symptoms of Babesia, according to Dr. Warren, are air hunger (difficulty getting sufficient breath) and night sweats. Additionally, Babesia can cause headaches that resemble migraines. When patients have overlapping diagnoses of migraines, Dr. Warren becomes suspicious that Babesia may be involved.
While air hunger is often described as a classic symptom of Babesia infection, Dr. Warren cautions against using it as a standalone diagnostic indicator. 

He specifically points out that "it's very dangerous when people go, 'Well, I have the air hunger shortness of breath. That means I have Babesia, because both Bartonella and Anaplasma can also cause this symptom." This symptom overlap creates significant diagnostic confusion, especially considering that many chronic Lyme patients have multiple co-infections simultaneously, creating complex symptom patterns that can't be attributed to a single pathogen.

Dr. Warren emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing rather than symptom-based diagnosis, stating: "In our clinic right now, I think we're running 10 [Babesia tests]... The most frequent thing that we catch with Lyme is Babesia." 

The full clinical picture must be considered, including patterns of symptoms like migraine-like headaches, their relationship to other findings, and thorough laboratory confirmation. Since Babesia requires specific anti-parasitic treatments and immune support strategies that differ from those used for other tick-borne infections, proper diagnosis through comprehensive evaluation rather than relying on air hunger alone is essential for developing an effective treatment strategy, especially for neurological cases.
Infographic from LymeDr.com titled 'Air Hunger in Tick-Borne Infections' explaining how this symptom appears in multiple infections. The diagram shows air hunger as a central symptom connecting to three tick-borne diseases: Babesia (often severe, persistent, with night sweats, worse when lying down), Bartonella (associated with chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, can mimic asthma), and Anaplasma (occurs in acute phase with extreme fatigue, cough, muscle weakness). The graphic emphasizes that testing is essential as air hunger alone cannot diagnose specific infections.
Infographic for iPhone from LymeDr.com titled 'Air Hunger in Tick-Borne Infections' explaining how this symptom appears in multiple infections. The diagram shows air hunger as a central symptom connecting to three tick-borne diseases: Babesia (often severe, persistent, with night sweats, worse when lying down), Bartonella (associated with chest pain, palpitations, anxiety, can mimic asthma), and Anaplasma (occurs in acute phase with extreme fatigue, cough, muscle weakness). The graphic emphasizes that testing is essential as air hunger alone cannot diagnose specific infections.
Similarly, headaches are a common symptom in tick-borne infections, but Dr. Warren emphasizes the importance of recognizing that different pathogens can cause distinct types of headaches. While Babesia is known to produce migraine-like headaches, correctly identifying the source requires careful evaluation beyond the headache symptom alone. 

Dr. Warren explains: "Lyme causes headaches and they tend to be more general pressure headaches. Bartonella causes headaches. They tend to be more the "ice pick" headaches where it's like someone's pushing on a spot... Babesia tends to cause migraine-like headaches, but they all three cause headaches and sometimes it's a little confusing to figure out what headache is which headache."

This differentiation becomes particularly significant for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. When patients have an overlapping diagnosis of migraines, Dr. Warren becomes "suspicious Babesia may be part of the problem," but he cautions against oversimplification. In cases with multiple co-infections, which are common in chronic Lyme disease, headache patterns may be mixed or atypical. Comprehensive testing remains the gold standard for accurate diagnosis, as Dr. Warren consistently emphasizes throughout his discussion. 

Since each infection requires specific treatment approaches—antibiotics for bacterial infections like Lyme and Bartonella, and anti-parasitic treatments for Babesia—correctly identifying the source of headaches is crucial for developing effective treatment protocols tailored to the specific pathogens present.
Infographic from LymeDr.com titled 'Headaches in Tick-Borne Infections: Different Patterns, Overlapping Causes' showing how head pain manifests differently across various infections. The diagram illustrates specific headache characteristics for Lyme Disease (general pressure sensation, often whole-head, moderate intensity), Bartonella ('ice pick' sensations, localized sharp pain, stabbing quality), Babesia (migraine-like quality, light sensitivity, may include nausea), and Co-Infections (mixed symptom patterns, complex presentations, difficult to self-diagnose). The graphic emphasizes that headache type alone cannot determine the specific infection and comprehensive testing is required.
Infographic for iPhone from LymeDr.com titled 'Headaches in Tick-Borne Infections: Different Patterns, Overlapping Causes' showing how head pain manifests differently across various infections. The diagram illustrates specific headache characteristics for Lyme Disease (general pressure sensation, often whole-head, moderate intensity), Bartonella ('ice pick' sensations, localized sharp pain, stabbing quality), Babesia (migraine-like quality, light sensitivity, may include nausea), and Co-Infections (mixed symptom patterns, complex presentations, difficult to self-diagnose). The graphic emphasizes that headache type alone cannot determine the specific infection and comprehensive testing is required.

Babesia Intensifies Lyme Symptoms!

Babesia doesn't just cause its own distinct symptoms—it actively amplifies the severity of Lyme disease, particularly in the neurological system. 

Dr. Warren emphasizes this critical interaction, stating: "In addition to causing its own symptoms, Babesia can make your Lyme symptoms worse. You may experience even worse fatigue and nerve symptoms from thinking to finding words, to exaggerated aches, to neuropathies. Babesia also makes the Lyme more invasive in the brain."  This amplification effect helps explain why many patients with persistent neurological Lyme symptoms don't improve with standard Lyme treatments alone.

Research supports this clinical observation. Dr. Warren references a specific study showing that Babesia enhances Lyme disease severity: 
"This article references a study, showing that Babesia enhances Lyme disease severity- the mouse on the left has only Lyme. The mouse with more red on it has Lyme plus Babesia."  While the exact mechanism remains unclear, Dr. Warren explains that "Babesia somehow empowers the Lyme disease to migrate more effectively in your brain and drive all those crazy neurological symptoms that we're fighting." 
Scientific imaging from LymeDr.com showing a comparative study of Lyme disease versus Lyme-Babesia coinfection in mice. The left panel (N40) shows a mouse infected with only Borrelia burgdorferi displaying moderate infection signals, while the right panel (N40+Bm) shows significantly higher intensity and more widespread infection in a mouse with both Lyme and Babesia microti coinfection. The color scale (500-4000 p/s/cm²/sr) indicates that the coinfected mouse exhibits more severe inflammatory response, supporting findings from the landmark Moro et al. study demonstrating how Babesia dramatically worsens Lyme disease outcomes.
This synergistic relationship between the two infections creates a more complex clinical picture in the body and brain than either infection on it's own. This requires more comprehensive testing and treatment approaches that address both pathogens simultaneously for more successful outcomes.
Infographic from LymeDr.com titled 'Babesia Enhances Lyme Disease Severity' comparing symptom intensity between Lyme Disease alone versus Lyme-Babesia coinfection. The comparison table shows: Fatigue (mild to moderate with Lyme alone; severe, debilitating with coinfection), Fever (low-grade, intermittent with Lyme; higher with night sweats in coinfection), Joint/Muscle Pain (moderate, migratory with Lyme; severe, widespread in coinfection), Neurological symptoms (mild cognitive issues with Lyme; severe cognitive impairment in coinfection), and Recovery outcomes (often responds to antibiotics with Lyme alone; requires combined therapy for coinfection). The chart effectively illustrates how Babesia significantly worsens all Lyme disease symptoms.

How Babesia Impacts the Immune System Differently Than Lyme

Babesia and Lyme disease employ distinct strategies to compromise your immune system, creating multiple layers of immune dysfunction when both infections are present. 

Dr. Warren explains this crucial difference: "Babesia subverts the adaptive immunity. Let's just translate that to, 'it messes with your immune system, so you can't kill it!' The new word that I came across is it circumvents your immune system." While Lyme disease primarily targets natural killer cell activity, Babesia focuses on a completely different aspect of immunity: "Babesia is on the other wing of the immune system. It really starts to inhibit the humoral immune system, and it's very, very hard on your spleen and your B-cells."

This differential impact on immunity has direct treatment implications. As Dr. Warren notes: "Lyme, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia all do the other wing of the immune system. They're trying to inhibit that, but now we've got bugs that are inhibiting one side of the immune system (Innate Immunity) over here, and we've got a bug that inhibits the other side (Adaptive Immunity) over here, and the net effect is you have multiple layers of immune dysfunction keeping you chronically sick." This explains why comprehensive treatment must include immune support targeted to the specific areas affected by each infection. For Lyme, herbs like Cat's Claw help enhance natural killer cell activity, while Babesia cases require additional lymphatic support such as Red Root and Red Sage to address its effects on the spleen and B-cells. This understanding of how each infection uniquely undermines different aspects of immunity is essential for developing effective treatment protocols.
Infographic from LymeDr.com titled 'Multiple Layers of Immune Dysfunction: How Different Tick-Borne Infections Circumvent Different Parts of the Immune System.' The diagram illustrates how tick-borne pathogens target different immune components: Lyme, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia attack innate immunity (first defense line with neutrophils, macrophages, inflammatory responses, complement system, pattern recognition, quick but non-specific), while Babesia specifically targets adaptive immunity (second defense line with B and T lymphocytes, antibody production, memory cells, specific pathogen targeting, slower but highly targeted). The graphic emphasizes that multiple coinfections create multiple layers of immune dysfunction, explaining why combinations like Lyme-Babesia cause more severe illness than single infections.
Infographic modified for phone from LymeDr.com titled 'Multiple Layers of Immune Dysfunction: How Different Tick-Borne Infections Circumvent Different Parts of the Immune System.' The diagram illustrates how tick-borne pathogens target different immune components: Lyme, Anaplasma, and Rickettsia attack innate immunity (first defense line with neutrophils, macrophages, inflammatory responses, complement system, pattern recognition, quick but non-specific), while Babesia specifically targets adaptive immunity (second defense line with B and T lymphocytes, antibody production, memory cells, specific pathogen targeting, slower but highly targeted). The graphic emphasizes that multiple coinfections create multiple layers of immune dysfunction, explaining why combinations like Lyme-Babesia cause more severe illness than single infections.

Babesia's Defensive Strategy: The Blood Nest Protection System

Unlike many bacterial infections, Babesia employs sophisticated defensive mechanisms to evade both the immune system and treatment interventions. 

Dr. Warren specifically highlights Babesia's formation of protective biofilms: "Another big note is Babesia has this biofilm protecting it. Now, we call Babesia's biofilm a blood nest, and we do this so that we don't confuse it with Lyme's biofilm." This distinction is important because while both pathogens create biofilms, they differ significantly in structure and location within the body, requiring different treatment approaches to penetrate these barriers.

Dr. Warren provides a helpful analogy to understand biofilms: "The best reference point for a biofilm is the plaque on your teeth is a bacteria biofilm that the bacteria use to protect themselves. Lyme and Babesia both pull this trick as a defense mechanism, but they are different biofilms." These protective structures shield the parasites from both immune detection and therapeutic agents, explaining why many standard treatment protocols fail. Dr. Warren emphasizes that effective Babesia treatment must include strategies specifically designed to penetrate these blood nests: "Babesia forms these nests to protect itself, and we need to be adding in things to get through the defensive strategy of Babesia." Without addressing these protective barriers, even well-designed treatments may fail to reach the parasites, resulting in persistent infection and ongoing symptoms despite treatment.
Microscopic image from LymeDr.com titled 'Blood Nest' showing Babesia parasites infecting red blood cells. The visualization clearly displays several red blood cells with characteristic ring-shaped Babesia organisms (appearing as purple bodies surrounded by yellow rings) inside them. This parasitic infection transmitted by ticks invades erythrocytes, causing babesiosis, and is frequently found as a coinfection with Lyme disease. The image demonstrates the intraerythrocytic nature of Babesia that distinguishes it from other tick-borne pathogens.
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Common Mistakes in Babesia Treatment

Dr. Warren identifies four critical mistakes that commonly occur in the proper diagnosis and treatment of Babesia co-infections. Each of these oversights can significantly impact treatment outcomes and may explain why many patients with neurological Lyme disease continue to struggle despite receiving care. Below is an expanded explanation of these mistakes:

1. Inadequate Testing for Babesia

Many physicians either don't test for Babesia at all or rely on just a single test, significantly reducing the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis. 
The problem stems from several factors:

- Limited awareness about Babesia's prevalence (found in 32-41% of Lyme cases)
- Reliance on outdated CDC statistics that severely underreport Babesia cases
- Standard testing's poor sensitivity for detecting chronic or low-level infections
- Failure to test for both major species (B. microti and B. duncani)

As Dr. Warren explains, his clinic routinely runs approximately ten different Babesia tests to ensure comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive testing should include multiple methodologies and markers to capture the various presentations of Babesia infection, particularly when neurological symptoms are present.

2. Neglecting Anti-parasitic Treatments

A fundamental misunderstanding about Babesia's nature leads to inappropriate treatment selection. Unlike Lyme disease (caused by bacteria), Babesia is a protozoan parasite that infects red blood cells. This distinction is crucial because:

- Standard antibiotic protocols used for Lyme disease have no effect on Babesia
- Specific anti-parasitic agents are required to address the infection
- Treatment must account for Babesia's different life cycle and mechanisms

Dr. Warren emphasizes the importance of including anti-parasitic remedies in any protocol for Lyme patients with suspected Babesia co-infection. Many herbal remedies excel in this area, offering dual action against both Lyme bacteria and Babesia parasites.

3. Failing to Address Babesia's Biofilm (Blood Nest)

Like many persistent pathogens, Babesia creates protective structures called "blood nests" - a type of biofilm that shields the parasite from both the immune system and treatments. These defensive barriers are distinct from Lyme's biofilms and require specific strategies to penetrate.
Treatment approaches that don't account for these protective structures often fail because:

- Medications cannot reach the parasites protected within the biofilm
- Infections can persist and recrudesce even after apparent improvement
- Treatment may require dosage adjustments to penetrate these defenses

Effective protocols must incorporate agents specifically designed to break through Babesia's protective nests, allowing anti-parasitic treatments to reach their targets.

4. Insufficient Immune Support for Spleen and Humoral Immunity

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of Babesia treatment is the parasite's specific impact on the immune system. While Lyme disease weakens natural killer cell activity, Babesia targets a different aspect of immunity - the humoral immune system and particularly spleen function.
This requires targeted immune support:

- Specific herbs and nutrients to enhance B-cell and spleen function
- Lymphatic support to address Babesia's effects on this system
- A different approach than standard immune support for Lyme alone

Dr. Warren specifically recommends herbs like Red Root and Red Sage to support lymphatic function, along with other remedies designed to enhance spleen activity. Without this targeted immune support, the body's natural defense mechanisms remain compromised, limiting recovery potential.
Understanding and addressing these four common mistakes can significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with Babesia-Lyme co-infections, particularly those experiencing persistent neurological symptoms. Dr. Warren's clinical experience suggests that comprehensive approaches that correct these oversights can lead to better results with fewer side effects than conventional treatment alone.
Infographic from LymeDr.com titled 'Top Mistakes in Babesia Protocols' by Dr. Kyle Warren, DC, CFMP, highlighting four critical treatment errors: 1) Insufficient Testing - recommending more comprehensive Babesia testing; 2) Lack of Antiparasitic Treatment - emphasizing that Babesia requires specific antiparasitic interventions as it's a parasite; 3) Neglecting Biofilm Strategies - stressing the importance of including treatments that address Babesia's biofilm; and 4) Inadequate Immune Support - advising additional support for the spleen and humoral immune system. This educational resource helps practitioners avoid common pitfalls in treating babesiosis.

Effective Protocols for Babesia

When Babesia is present alongside Lyme disease, treatment protocols require specific adjustments to address both infections effectively. Dr. Warren outlines several key components:

1. Targeted Immune System Support

Dr. Warren explains that Lyme disease is known to weaken natural killer cell activity, which is why Cat's Claw is a foundational herb in many Lyme protocols. This herb helps enhance natural killer cell activity, supporting the specific part of the immune system that Lyme disease suppresses.

In contrast, Babesia affects a different aspect of immunity. It inhibits the humoral immune system and is particularly damaging to the spleen and B-cells. Therefore, Dr. Warren emphasizes that Babesia cases require additional lymphatic support. He recommends herbs like Red Root and Red Sage, as well as other remedies designed to support spleen and lymph function.

Dr. Warren observes that many practitioners overlook this crucial component, failing to provide adequate support for spleen function and B-cell function when treating Babesia. He identifies this as a major reason for treatment failure.
Infographic from LymeDr.com titled 'Babesia and the Immune System' by Dr. Kyle Warren, DC, CFMP, presenting a two-part comparison. The left panel shows 'Effects of Babesia' with a red indicator, detailing how this parasite inhibits the humoral immune system, impacts spleen function, decreases B cell activity, and affects the lymphatic system. The right panel outlines the 'Protocol' with a green plus sign, recommending increased B cell support, enhanced spleen function, lymphatic system support, and specific herbs (Red Root, Red Sage) to counteract Babesia's immune suppression. This educational resource illustrates both the pathogen's mechanisms and targeted treatment approaches.

2. Breaking Through Defensive Barriers

Effective treatment must include strategies to penetrate Babesia's protective blood nests. Dr. Warren emphasizes the importance of incorporating agents that can breach these defensive barriers, similar to the approach needed for Lyme's biofilms.

3. Anti-Parasitic Treatments

Since Babesia is a parasite rather than a bacteria, treatment must include anti-parasitic agents. Dr. Warren stresses the importance of incorporating anti-parasitic remedies into the protocol, not just antibiotics.

He notes that many herbal remedies are particularly valuable in this context, as several herbs effective against Lyme also possess anti-parasitic properties that work well against Babesia. This dual-action approach allows for simultaneous treatment of both infections.

4. Gentle Approach for intense Neurological symptoms

For patients with significant neurological involvement, Dr. Warren has found that gentle herbal and nutritional approaches often prove more effective than aggressive antibiotic protocols. He shares that when treating Lyme and Babesia affecting the brain, high-dose antibiotic therapies frequently caused severe neurological side effects that forced patients to discontinue treatment.

After years of clinical experience, Dr. Warren observed that patients using herbal and nutritional approaches achieved better results with fewer side effects. This realization led him to adopt a predominantly herbal and nutritional treatment approach, particularly for cases with neurological symptoms.

CONCLUSION
A Personal Message from Dr. Warren on Babesia:

"If you're reading this, you're likely all too familiar with the challenging journey of chronic Lyme disease—especially when neurological symptoms persist, despite treatment. As a practitioner who's worked with countless Lyme patients, I've observed some patterns that could be crucial to your recovery.

Babesia is the most common co-infection I see in neurological Lyme disease cases. Yet it remains severely underdiagnosed, with only ~2,000 reported cases annually, compared to an estimated 500,000 Lyme cases. This disconnect means many of you may have this co-infection without knowing it.

What makes Babesia particularly concerning is how it intensifies Lyme symptoms, especially neurological ones. It doesn't just cause its own symptoms (like air hunger, night sweats, and migraine-like headaches)—it makes Lyme more invasive to your nervous system, worsening fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties, word-finding problems, and neuropathies.

If you're struggling with persistent symptoms despite Lyme treatment, please consider these important points:

1. Your doctor may not be aware of Babesia's significance or may only run one test when multiple are needed for accurate diagnosis.

2. Babesia is a parasite, not a bacteria—standard antibiotic protocols for Lyme will not address it.

3. This parasite forms protective "blood nests" (biofilms) and requires specific treatments to penetrate these defenses.

4. Babesia uniquely targets your humoral immune system, particularly affecting your spleen and B-cells, requiring specific immune support that's often overlooked.

After years of clinical experience, I've found that gentle herbal and nutritional approaches often yield better results with fewer side effects than aggressive antibiotic protocols, especially for neurological cases. Herbs like Red Root and Red Sage to support lymphatic function, combined with anti-parasitic remedies, can make a significant difference.

Remember that no matter how long you've been suffering from your symptoms, healing is possible. But accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to your success. If you're experiencing neurological symptoms of Lyme disease, don't overlook the possibility of Babesia. It could be the missing piece in your recovery journey."

Wishing you health and healing,
Dr. Kyle Warren, DC, CFMP, Lyme Functional Doctor
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne illnesses.*

If you're struggling with persistent neurological symptoms despite Lyme treatment, Babesia could be the missing piece in your recovery journey. Request your free consultation today to discover if targeted Babesia testing and treatment could finally provide the relief you've been searching for.

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Click below to book a free consultation with Dr. Kyle Warren, DC, CFMP at Restorative Health Solutions.
At our specialized clinic, we understand the complex nature of tick-borne infections and recognize that Lyme disease is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Our diagnostic approach includes comprehensive testing for multiple Borrelia species and common co-infections including Babesia, along with detailed assessment of immune function and inflammatory markers. 

For patients with confirmed infections, we develop individualized protocols that address all aspects of chronic Lyme disease, including the various forms of the bacteria, immune dysfunction, neurological involvement, and systemic inflammation. Our comprehensive approach has helped hundreds of patients recover their health when traditional medical approaches failed to identify or adequately help their condition.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I was treated for Lyme disease and feel better, but now I feel ill again. Do you think I still have Lyme disease? 
A: Yes! If you are not 100% better after your course of standard Lyme meds, go back to your doctor immediately and get another course. Being aggressive in trying to eliminate Lyme in the acute phase (1-3 months) is the best approach!

Q: Are Antibiotics the best treatment for Lyme disease or Chronic Lyme disease?
A: For acute Lyme, antibiotics are 100% the undisputed best remedy. Even most of my natural minded colleagues will encourage standard meds as first round of care.  But please understand, research suggests a few percentage 6-21% still go on to develop what the CDC calls Post Treatment Lyme disease.

Q: I have Chronic Lyme: I am currently receiving treatment for it. Why do I go from feeling very good one day to very bad another, on the same treatment?
A: That depends on the type of treatment and how it is all balanced. It is possible to heal from Chronic Lyme and regain your health, but if a person does the right things in the wrong balance it can be a terrible roller coaster of ups and downs.

Q: I have Chronic Lyme. What’s the best approach?
A: Unfortunately that is not simple answer. We believe the best answer has 4-6 major steps. We have to help the immune system be restored, detox, kill the Lyme bacteria, kill co-infections, help the mitochondria to be healthier, and then exercise/stimulate the nervous system. These all must be done in the right order and in the right balance or patients will not get better or not be able to tolerate the protocol.

Q: I had Lyme, was treated for it, but I feel like it hasn’t gone away. Should I take more meds?
A: If you are past the 3 month mark from the tick bite you are entering a phase of the disease where antibiotics alone are less likely to resolve the issue. We need to understand why your body is not able to fight off this bug, like it has fought off so many bugs, so many times before! It is highly likely you will need a more comprehensive approach.

Q: I had a positive Lyme test in the past…would you still go through testing me for Lyme or do you do things a little differently?
A: If you’ve already been diagnosed with Lyme, we will do things a little different…we already know you had it at one point and the question now becomes, is it gone, are you over it, or is this still causing your problems? The answer in your unique case could be Yes, or a No, but it is very important to not make assumptions! We have many questions we ask you to help understand if you are truly over the Lyme, or we need to address the Lyme again. We can’t go on blaming Lyme everything, but if it is truly causing symptoms again we don’t want to miss it either.

Q: What is some of the feedback that the MDs have given you in terms of your Protocol combined with theirs?
A: They are surprised it goes smoother for their patients! They aren’t getting some of the negative reactions with some of these drugs that they are used to seeing in patients. Our functional medicine and functional neurology Lyme protocol can complement an MD's treatment beautifully.

Q: I’ve heard of the term “Lyme literate MD.” Who is a Lyme literate MD and what has been your experience with them?
A: Who we consider a “Lyme literate MD” is a medical doctor who recognizes there are some flaws in the Lyme testing and understands that Lyme can go chronic. In our experience, a Lyme literate MD will typically have a more aggressive protocols. They are usually using high-dose, longer duration treatment for 6-18 months…now that’s aggressive, but usually what you are getting. Some Lyme literate MDs will add in other support protocols…and while a patient is on these meds, there are some downsides to taking meds for this length of time, but necessary for some people. So it’s our role to help support the patient during this time to help round out the protocol, help it go smoother, support the restoration of the immune system and the detox systems with that.

Q: Is Chronic Lyme the same as Post-treatment Lyme disease Syndrome?
A: People argue over this term. The CDC refers to chronic lyme as “ Post-treatment Lyme disease Syndrome.” The way to think about it is - In 10%-20% of patients, Lyme disease does not resolve easily. In my experience this is usually when the patient also is dealing with co-infections such as Bartonella, Babesia and Anaplasma. We refer to this minority population as Chronic Lyme Patients.

Q: Do you work with me alone or will you be able to work with my MD?
A: The answer is “Sometimes.” We have a few different great MDs that we can refer people to. If you are not seeing results at some of our checkpoints by 3 or 6 months, we are going to start to have you also work with an MD! We also have MDs that ask us to just handle the detox part or the immune regulation part, and the MD will prescribe you meds to help kill the Lyme. So, we do believe in a team effort, as needed. Every Lyme patient is unique, with their own immune system, their own mix of Lyme, co-infections, bacteria, yeast, etc., etc.

Q: What is your current success rate in working with Chronic Lyme Patients?
A: Close to an 80% success rate of getting rid of Chronic Lyme…and it has taken several years to get the results we are now getting with patients! (**Please note, Individual results might vary!**)

Q: How soon can I start feeling better once on your protocol?
A: Great Question! If you’re not starting to see Significant Improvement in 3-6 months that you are happy with…we are going to start working with additional referral partners; adding an MD, or an acupuncturist for example…so my first checkpoint, is between 3-6 months. Then people ask… “Okay, but when am I going to be done!?” I tell people, Lyme is one of the longest things we have to deal with. It often takes 12-18 months to be done. Now that doesn’t mean you have to wait 12-18 months to improve and start feeling better! Patients typically feel better during the Lyme protocol. Slow and steady wins the race, but you will not have to wait too long to start feeling better!

Q: I have been getting treated for Chronic Lyme, but I don't think I’m getting better. Should I get a second opinion?
A: I was taught by a mentor that people are looking for “measurable results in a reasonable timeframe.” If you are currently working with someone, ask yourself what are my expectations for results and what is the timeframe we are expecting them.

Q: How does the treatment from one doctor to the next differ for Chronic Lyme?
A: A comprehensive look at various approaches would take too much time for this format. The most common pitfalls I find when reviewing other doctors work is #1 getting over-focused on meds and killing Lyme and undervaluing the other necessary parts of support the body needs, or #2 chasing symptoms with no clear purpose for really healing the body at a core level.

Q: I was diagnosed with depression before being diagnosed with Chronic Lyme. Do you think they are related?
A: Abnormal neurological symptoms, exaggerated aches and pains, headaches, POTS can all be possible from Lyme. Lyme creates a massive neuro-inflammatory response and neuro-inflammation is the most highly researched pathway for causing depression.

Q: I have Arthritis-type symptoms. Should I get tested from Chronic Lyme?
A: Absolutely!! Symptoms from Lyme that are prevalent: it frequently causes pain, that can be headaches, migraines, arthritis-type joint pain, muscle pain, and even chronic fatigue.

Q: How long and how often do I see Dr. Kyle when working with RHS for Lyme?
A: We most typically follow up with patients every 4-8 weeks depending on which part of the protocol you are working through.We try to give patients enough support to work through problems, keep pushing forward, and be successful.

Q: Is there any follow up testing?
A: I really like the idea of running a test, doing a therapy, then re-checking that test to monitor progress. We try to follow this formula whenever it is possible.  Follow up testing is often less expensive than the initial battery of tests, because it is only a subset of the initial labs.


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              When no one can figure out "what's wrong with me" Dr. Kyle Warren will take the time to figure it out and treat it. He has made such a difference, I can not express in words the difference he has made. 

Susan Kaulbars
              I have been seeing Dr. Paul for quite a while now, from the time I walked in the door until the time I leave, everyone treats you so well and the amount of knowledge in this one office is crazy. I would highly recommend if you have any ailment or anything else that you have thought about getting a second opinion, on Dr. Paul and his colleagues will take such good care of you. You’re only regret will be not having to come see them sooner. 

Jeremy N
             After 2 1/2 years going through traditional medical process with no significate change and after six months of treatment with restorative health the problem has been addressed properly and it had changed my life for the better with no drugs.

Sandra Larson
             Dr. Warren and Dr. Paul are so knowledgeable and helpful! They have helped our family so much, and we are so thankful for them! And we definitely recommend Restorative Health to others. :)

Kassi Ward
             After years of trying to deal with health issues with various doctors I was finally blessed to find RHS. Dr. Deglmann takes a very scientific, methodical and holistic approach to treatments... and they work! He and the rest of the staff are awesome to work with. They have changed my life.

kevin hendricks
             Dr. Warren cared about ME and what specifically we needed to do to get me better. There wasn't a one-size-fits-most approach I've gotten elsewhere. I really believe this is why I have made such incredible progress after years of frustration and sickness.

Angela Hunstiger
             Dr. Warren cared about ME and what specifically we needed to do to get me better. There wasn't a one-size-fits-most approach I've gotten elsewhere. I really believe this is why I have made such incredible progress after years of frustration and sickness.

Angela Hunstiger

References

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12. https://igenex.com

13. https://shop.taovitality.com
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne illnesses.*
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